On the first day of his second term, President Trump revoked U.S. Secret Service protection for John Bolton, his former national security adviser. Bolton had been granted security in 2021 by President Joe Biden after threats on his life from Iran, following Bolton’s role in the Trump administration’s hardline policies. Bolton expressed disappointment, noting that the danger from Iran had not subsided. In a statement to The New York Times, he emphasized that the threat remains, citing a 2022 plot by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard to have him killed.
Bolton made it clear that he was not surprised by Trump’s decision, pointing to the fact that Biden had continued his protection despite differing national security views. The former adviser also pointed out that the U.S. government had filed criminal charges against an Iranian official involved in a plot to target him.
While the Secret Service did not comment on the revocation, Trump confirmed the decision in a conversation with reporters, suggesting that Secret Service protection should not extend indefinitely. He also defended the move by stating that no one should have lifelong protection, although former presidents receive guaranteed protection for life.
Bolton, who was ousted by Trump in 2019 following disagreements, has remained a vocal critic of the former president. Bolton’s public criticism further strained their relationship, especially after Bolton published a book detailing his time in the Trump administration. The book, which revealed sensitive details, sparked efforts by the White House to prevent its release, citing the need to protect classified information.
